In memorium: Hugh O'Brien

[jchrisobrien]

My grandfather was on the beach at Normandy. He rode in one of those little landing boats, spray drenching him. He ran out of those boats into a hail of machine gun fire. While crawling up the beach, he took a bullet through his arm, which continued to hit his best friend in the face. "Right between the eyes" he said.

It was the first and only story he told me about his time in World War II. It smacks a bit of the apocryphal, but you don't question your grandfather about a story like that. Well, I didn't at least.

It's only fitting on this Memorial Da to remember those who gave their lives in the service. Politics aside, they made a sacrifice that most of us are unwilling to do. Maybe the times were clearer then, it doesn't matter. My time for service is past. I can hope that my children won't have to make that choice. But if they do, I'll honor them the same was as I did my grandfather.

Thank you, Grandpa.

Comments

[talesinsdaughtr.livejournal.com]

My grandfather came up through Southern France. He wouldn't talk about it. I think it's great that you got to learn your grandfather's story.

[silas7.livejournal.com]

if he came through southern France, he was probably involved in a lot of major battles. There's a message here about people who've lived through wars, and the price they pay for serving. I wonder how their experiences differ from those soldiers fighting in Iraq today, and if they will be as reluctant to talk about their time in the desert.